Thales has been selected to supply Romania with four mobile radar systems under a contract valued at around 326.5 million Romanian lei ($67.8 million). The systems will help the Romanian Air Force manage aircraft approaches and landings while maintaining operational capabilities from alternative airfields. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2028 and will be carried out in phases across four air force locations. The procurement covers the STAR NG primary surveillance radar, RSM NG identification system, and Precision Approach Radar equipment. Together, these systems will enable air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft movements and provide landing guidance in challenging weather conditions or at locations without sufficient permanent airbase infrastructure. They will also relay real-time operational data to Romanian and NATO command-and-control networks. The latest agreement supports Romania’s broader military modernization strategy, particularly its efforts to improve aerial surveillance and response capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank. Thales previously secured a Romanian order for 12 GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-One radars in July through a government-to-government arrangement with France, financed by the European Union’s SAFE programme. The company is also expected to establish a Radar Competence Centre in Romania, while the first GM200 deliveries are planned for 2027. Romania is simultaneously strengthening its ground-based air defense network. In June, Bucharest signed the initial stage of an agreement exceeding €2 billion ($2.3 billion) for Rafael’s SPYDER systems, covering launchers, interceptors, radar equipment, training, and logistical support. The country has also contracted Rheinmetall to provide 24 Skyranger 35 mobile air defense systems and seven Skynex systems for the protection of military formations, fixed facilities, and critical infrastructure.
